France: Cents

10 Centimes

 Years: 1962-2001
Metal: Copper-Aluminum-Nickel
Weight: 3 gm
Diameter: 20 mm
Thickness: 1.41 mm
Engravers: Henri Lagriffoul (obverse)
                        Adrien Dieudonné (reverse)
Privy mark: Dolphin

The coin displayed here is from the era of 'New Franc'(1960-2001) where 100 centimes = 1 franc.

The  obverse design shows Marianne in left profile wearing the Phrygian cap of liberty, a national emblem of France, is surrounded with the lettering: "REPUBLIQUE FRANÇAISE" (French Republic) and LAGRIFFOUL. Marianne symbolises the "Triumph of the Republic".

Reverse design shows the facial value is surrounded with a wheat ear, an olive branch and the French motto: "LIBERTE - EGALITE - FRATERNITE" (liberty, equality, fraternity) and A. DIEUDONNE.

NOTE:
These are the symbols which identify the mint's director corresponding to the mint that produces these coins. These marks can be symbols or letters. The formal term for this mark is 'Signature mark of the master of the mint'. The mark is also referred to as a 'privy mark'. It is found on the Obverse design. Different privy marks are found throughout mintages:

Owl - 1958-74 (Raymond Joly)
Dolphin - 1974-94 (Rousseau) 
Bee - 1994 (Pierre Rodier)
 

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10 Euro Cents (1st Map)

Years: 1999-2006
Metal: Nordic Gold
Weight: 4.10 gm
Diameter: 19.75 mm
Thickness: 1.93 mm
Engravers: L. Jorio (obverse)
           L. Luycx (reverse)

Privy mark: Horse shoe

Obverse features a modern adaptation of the Sower, initially designed by Oscar Roty, representing "France, which stays true to itself, whilst integrating into Europe", is encircled by the twelve stars of Europe.

The letters RF means REPUBLIQUE FRANÇAISE i.e. French Republic.

Privy mark, Horse shoe represents the Mint master Gérard Buquoy who was mint master of mint 'Pessac' during 2001-2002.  

The Sower: Design of 'Walking Liberty' by Oscar Roty for french coins. Walking Liberty with hairs fyling to the breeze, progressing in full stride towards the dawn of a new day,carrying branches of laurel and oak, symbolical of civil and military glory. The hand of the figure is outstretched in bestowal of the spirit of liberty.

Roty's 'Sower' design for French coins

Reverse features a map, next to the facial value, symbolizes the gathering of the fifteen nations of the European Union.

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